Standing Orders explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Chapters IV and V of the Industrial Relations (Andhra Pradesh) Rules, 2026 say how an employer adopts model standing orders or files a draft, how the certifying officer and the appellate authority deal with them, in which languages the text is kept, and how a change in service conditions is notified in Form-IV.
If you are preparing or revising standing orders, the employment and labour law advisory team can help you match them to these rules.
The rules are the Industrial Relations (Andhra Pradesh) Rules, 2026, as notified by G.O.Rt.No.111 dated 12 June 2026. An employer who adopts the model standing orders intimates the certifying officer, who has thirty days to observe; silence means deemed certification (rule 12). An appeal lies within sixty days of the certifying officer's order (rule 17). Finally certified orders are kept in English and in Telugu and displayed at the entrance (rule 18). A change in service conditions needs a Form-IV notice (rule 21).
Notification and commencement
The rules are the Industrial Relations (Andhra Pradesh) Rules, 2026, as notified by G.O.Rt.No.111 dated 12 June 2026. Later amendments and State notifications under these rules should be checked in the State Gazette. Under rule 1(2) they come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette; the Labour Codes were brought into force from 21 November 2025. The committees and settlements under the same rules are in our first article on them.
Model standing orders (rule 12)
Rule 12(1) provides that the Model Standing Orders for the manufacturing sector and the service sector are those set out in Schedule-A and Schedule-B appended to the rules. The Central rule is rule 10 of the Industrial Relations Central Rules. Under the Andhra Pradesh text:
- An employer who adopts the model standing orders of the Central Government (section 29) for matters relevant to his establishment intimates the certifying officer, electronically, in person, or by speed or registered post, "the specific date from which" the provisions are adopted.
- The adopted model standing orders apply to the establishment and to all its units in the country.
- The certifying officer enters the details of the establishment in the register of certified standing orders. Sub-rule (3) cites "rule 20" for that register, while the rule that actually prescribes the register in Form-III is rule 19.
- If the establishment also does activities beyond those for which the model orders were adopted, the certifying officer may, within thirty days of the intimation, direct the employer to include relevant provisions and comply within thirty days of the direction, reporting compliance only for those provisions.
- If no observation is made within thirty days of receipt of the intimation, the model standing order is deemed certified.
- The provisions remain in force from the date specified in the intimation. The certifying officer raises no observation where the activities are wholly covered by those of the establishment to which the standing orders apply.
Draft standing orders: comments, statement and joint drafts (rules 13, 15 and 16)
- No trade union (rule 13). Where there is no union as referred to in section 30(5)(i), the certifying officer calls a meeting of workers to choose three representatives, to whom notice is issued with a copy of the standing order or modification in English and a translation in the language understood by the majority of workers. Comments are due within fifteen days of receipt. A trade union, negotiating union or constituent of a negotiating council gets the same copies and the same fifteen days.
- Statement with the draft (rule 15). The statement for a draft gives the establishment's name, address, email address, contact number and the strength and details of workers, including the unions to which they belong. For a modification, it gives particulars of the existing standing order and a tabular statement of each provision in force, the proposed change and the reasons. A person authorised by the establishment signs it. Modified model standing orders also apply to all units in the country.
- Similar establishments (rule 16). A group of employers in similar establishments may, after consulting the union, submit a joint draft. The joint draft goes to the Additional Commissioner of Labour in the office of the Commissioner of Labour, who, in consultation with the certifying officers, certifies or refuses with reasons, after notice to the parties and a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
Authentication, appeal and keeping the text (rules 14, 17 and 18)
- Authentication (rule 14). The certifying officer authenticates the certified standing orders or modifications and sends them electronically, with a hard copy by registered or speed post, within seven days of authentication, to the employer and all registered unions or chosen representatives. No authentication is needed for deemed certification or where the employer has certified adoption of model standing orders.
- Appeal (rule 17). An employer, union, negotiating union or council, or another representative body of workers, may appeal against the certifying officer's order under section 30(5) within sixty days of receiving it, with a memorandum of appeal in tabular form stating the provisions to be altered, modified, deleted or added and the reasons, filed electronically or in person with the appellate authority. The appellate authority fixes a hearing date and gives notice to the other side, may call for evidence, and disposes of the appeal after hearing the parties. The appellant gives each respondent a copy of the memorandum. See also rules 13 and 14 of the Central Rules.
- Order and display (rule 18). The appellate order is sent, electronically or otherwise, within three days of disposal. The finally certified or deemed certified or adopted model standing orders are maintained by the employer "in English and in Telugu", and displayed legibly on a special board at or near the entrance through which most workers enter. They may also be posted on the establishment's designated portal or website, if any.
Register and copies (rule 19) and modification (rule 20)
The certifying officer keeps an electronic register in Form-III of all finally certified, deemed certified or adopted model standing orders, with a unique number, establishment name and nature, date of certification or adoption, areas of operation and other retrieval details. A copy is furnished to any applicant on payment of two rupees per page, which may be paid electronically. An application for modification under section 35(2) is made electronically, in person or by registered or speed post, with the particulars of the standing orders to be modified, a tabular statement of provisions, proposed changes and reasons, and details of the registered unions operating there, signed by an authorised person.
Notice of change (rule 21)
An employer intending to change conditions of service on any matter in the Third Schedule to the Code gives notice in Form-IV, electronically, by registered post with acknowledgement due, or in person, to the workers likely to be affected, and uploads it on the establishment's designated portal, if any. The notice is displayed on the notice board or electronic notice board at the main entrance. Where there is a registered union, negotiating union or council, a copy is also served on its secretary or secretaries. The Central rule is rule 19 of the Central Rules.
At a glance
| Step | Rule | Period or form as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption of model standing orders | 12(2) | Intimation to the certifying officer with the date of adoption |
| Certifying officer's observation | 12(2)(4), (5) | Thirty days; deemed certified if none |
| Comments on a draft | 13 | Fifteen days; three representatives where no union |
| Authentication and dispatch | 14 | Seven days |
| Appeal | 17(1) | Sixty days of the order |
| Order of the appellate authority sent | 18(1) | Three days of disposal |
| Language of the text | 18(2) | English and Telugu |
| Register | 19 | Form-III |
| Notice of change | 21 | Form-IV |
A worked example
Konaseema Coir Works, an invented establishment, has not filed standing orders. It adopts the model standing orders for its sector and sends the certifying officer an intimation giving the date of adoption. Thirty days pass without observation, so the orders are deemed certified. The company keeps the text in English and Telugu, displays it at the main gate and, when it later wants to change a shift pattern, issues a Form-IV notice to the affected workers and serves a copy on the union secretary.
Common lapses
- Keeping the standing orders in English only.
- Missing the sixty-day appeal limit.
- Changing service conditions in the Third Schedule without a Form-IV notice.
- Filing a joint draft with the wrong office; it goes to the Additional Commissioner of Labour.
Need help with standing orders?
Whether you are adopting the models or drafting your own, a careful comparison against Schedules A and B saves time at certification. Our employment and labour law advisory team can assist.
Key takeaways
- Model standing orders are in Schedule-A and Schedule-B of the rules.
- Thirty days: certifying officer's window; silence means deemed certification.
- Sixty days: appeal; seven days: authentication dispatch; three days: appellate order.
- Texts in English and Telugu, displayed at the entrance.
- Form-III register, Form-IV notice of change.
Read next
- Industrial Relations (Andhra Pradesh) Rules, 2026: Works Committee and Grievance Redressal Committee
- Industrial Relations (Andhra Pradesh) Rules, 2026: arbitration, conciliation and dispute resolution
- Rule 10 of the Industrial Relations Central Rules, 2026: model standing orders
- Rule 19 of the Industrial Relations Central Rules, 2026: notice for change in service conditions
Disclaimer: Based on the State or Union territory rules named above, as notified under the Labour Codes and consulted on 4 October 2026. Later amendments, State notifications, fees and forms should be checked in the State Gazette and on the State labour department website. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.